"Freedom!" is what I imagine
some people thought when they finally got out of lockdown
in New South Wales this week.
We haven't been able to go anywhere, and it's just been the same thing
every single day.
The thing that I've missed the most is probably going shopping
and going to the shopping centre with my mum
because it's really fun
and we always get delicious food.
I think I'm probably most looking forward to seeing my friends
and family and going back to restaurants and cafes
and going back to beaches.
This state is now the first in Australia
to hit the big 70% COVID vaccination target
for people 16 and over.
That means no more lockdown and relaxed restrictions
for the fully vaxxed,
like 10 visitors at home,
or more if they're kids under 13,
and going to the gym, indoor pools,
restaurants and entertainment venues again.
So what if you're under 16 and not vaccinated?
Well, outdoors are mostly fine,
but you do have to be with a fully-vaxxed family member
if you're going to indoor venues.
Authorities say it's important people follow the rules.
Once the state hits 80% vaccinations, very soon,
restrictions will ease even more,
including everyone heading back to school,
and the plan is to open right up by December.
I'm looking forward to having fun with my friends.
I can't wait to get back in the classroom
and start having face-to-face lessons,
instead of through a screen.
Meanwhile, over in Melbourne,
the city has been given a status no city particularly wants to have.
It's the most locked-down in the world,
with more than 250 days at home.
That beats Buenos Aires in Argentina, which locked down for 244.
Well, we are the most locked-down city
in the entire world,
which is not a title we really want to have.
It kind of sucks because we don't get to do
the things we like doing.
But it's also good because it helps slow down the spread of COVID.
Victoria's also recorded the highest number
of daily COVID cases ever in Australia,
but the premier says he's sticking to
the state's COVID road map out of lockdown.
We want to get to 70% double-dose as quick as we can,
then 80%, be open, be free, normalise this.
Victoria is expected to hit that 70% target around October 26th.
That'll mean a similar deal to New South Wales,
with more freedoms for the fully vaxxed.
Plus everyone there should also be getting back to school.
So how's the rest of Australia going?
Well, the ACT has also hit 70%
and eased restrictions.
Tassie is getting really close,
while the other states and territories
should all be there in November.
The federal government's encouraging everyone to open their borders
by Christmas, although that'll be up to states
and territories to decide.
The government's also planning to open up international travel
for those that reach their 80% target,
starting with New South Wales.
While a lot of people are looking forward
to Australia getting back up and running again,
experts say it will put a lot of pressure
on hospitals and health care workers,
as COVID keeps spreading.
But most people agree that,
while it's going to be a bumpy road ahead,
we have to try to get life back on track.
I hope that everyone can get vaccinated
and life can pretty much go back to normal
with no restrictions in place.
I hope everyone can have access to the vaccine
and will follow the rules
and we'll just adapt to this new way of living.
And just remember...
# We're all in this together. #